Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 11 July 2023

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2023

Q) Recently seen in news, the ‘Majorana Zero Mode’ is best related to which one of the following?

1. Building quantum computers
2. Eradication of single use plastic
3. Reversing destruction of Coral reefs
4. Development of sustainable agricultural practices

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 10 July April 2023

Explanation:

• Option (1) is correct: Majorana Zero Mode also known as Majorana fermions, were first proposed by Italian physicist Ettore Majorana in 1937. They possess special properties that make them their own antiparticles, which is advantageous for building quantum computers. The claim of researchers pertains to particles called Majorana zero modes, whose unique properties could help build quantum computers that are much less fragile than they are today, making them computationally superior. The first big challenge today is to create Majorana zero modes in a system. A popular example of a system that could give rise to them is a structure called a topological superconductor. It consists of a semiconductor in the shape of a nanowire, with a superconducting sheath wrapped around it. The sheath covers a part of the nanowire. At one end, the nanowire is connected to a small junction through which electrons are fed into it. A magnetic field is applied over the materials to complete the setup. Here, Majorana zero modes are expected to exist at the ends of the nanowire, as a result of the interactions between the materials’ electronic structures.

Q) Consider the following statements about Wetlands:

1. Wetlands are part of the biogeochemical cycle of sulphur.
2. Bogs are wetlands that are fed by groundwater seeping on the surface.
3. They reduce soil erosion by slowing down the speed of flood waters.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Wetlands are defined as “lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water”. Wetlands’ microbes, plants and wildlife are part of global cycles for water, nitrogen and sulphur. Wetlands store carbon within their plant communities and soil instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Bogs are basin wetlands for which precipitation is the only source of water; they are typically not fed by surfacing groundwater or streams. Fens and seeps are wetlands that are fed by groundwater that “seeps” out to the soil’s surface. Swamps are wetlands dominated by woody vegetation that typically have standing water during at least certain times of the year.
• Statement 3 is correct: Wetlands function as natural barriers that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, snowmelt and groundwater and flood waters. Wetland vegetation also slow the speed of flood waters lowering flood heights and reduces soil erosion.

Q) With reference to Western Disturbances, consider the following statements:

1. They are extra-tropical storms that originate in the Mediterranean region.
2. The rainfall caused by them is concentrated in the winter months only.
3. Western Disturbances are useful for Kharif crops.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: A Western Disturbance (WD) is an extra-tropical storm which originates in the Mediterranean region. In the term “extra-tropical storm”, storm refers to low pressure. “Extra-tropical” means outside the tropics. As the WD originates outside the tropical region, the word “extra-tropical” has been associated with them. The disturbance travels from the “western” to the eastern direction. Western Disturbances are frequent, and their spells can be long or short.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The weather department has attributed the heavy rainfall over Chandigarh and its adjoining areas to a Western Disturbance (WD), which has hit the northern parts of India. In India, it is confirmed that the monsoon arrives in July and lasts till September. The rainfalls caused by the WDs have no fixed time of arrival. Also, while the monsoon period is around three months, WDs can last for very short spells.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: A WD is associated with rainfall, snowfall and fog in northern India during winters. It is very useful for wheat and other Rabi crops. According to the India Meteorological Department, the prediction of an upcoming Western Disturbance can only be made around six days before its arrival. To keep tabs on it, the weather departments concerned monitor the activities over the Mediterranean region every half an hour.

Q) Consider the following statements about the Global South:

1. It refers to the countries that are located towards the south of the Tropic of Cancer.
2. The ‘Brandt Line’ divides the Global North and South based on economic disparities.
3. The Global South has a huge population and natural resource base.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The term “Global South” refers to countries that are often described as ‘developing’, ‘less developed’, or ‘underdeveloped’. It encompasses countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which are characterized by higher levels of poverty, income inequality, and harsh living conditions compared to the “Global North”.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Brandt Line is a visual representation of the division between the Global North and the Global South based on economic disparities. It was proposed by the German statesman Willy Brandt in the 1980s and gained significant attention.
• Statement 3 is correct: ‘Global South’ is significant because of its large population, rich cultures, and abundant natural resources. The economic prowess of the Global South has been increasing rapidly. By 2030 it is projected that three of the four largest economies will be from the Global South, with the order being China, India, the U.S. and Indonesia. Already the GDP in terms of purchasing power of the Global South-dominated BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, surpasses that of the Global North’s G-7 club. And there are now more billionaires in Beijing than in New York City.

Q) With reference to National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), consider the following statements:

1. The NCST is a non-constitutional body established by the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1991.
2. The Chairperson and other members of NCST are eligible for appointments for more than two terms.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

• Statement 1 and 2 are incorrect: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003. The Commission comprises a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and three full time (including one lady) members appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. The term of office of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and each member is three years from the date of assumption of charge. The main functions of NCST are as follows:
• To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the STs under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the Government.
• To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the STs.
• To participate and advise in the planning process of socio-economic development of the STs and to evaluate the progress of their development.
• To present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards.
• To make in such reports, recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or any State for effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes.
• To discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes as the President may subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament by rule specify.

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